Jacksonville families serve up meals, smiles at Salvation Army on Christmas

A warm meal and time with family and friends, they’re what many of us look forward to each holiday season.

Sadly, many people people go without in Jacksonville.

That’s why dozens of families spent part of their day at the Salvation Army to help spread Christmas cheer in the community.

Each person has a special reason for coming out.

“It makes me happy to be able to give to others,” Aisha Sims said.

She came with her husband and two boys, ages 9 and 16.

Salvation Army Major Bert Tanner tells Action News Jax 100 volunteers helped serve 250 people at last year’s Christmas dinner.

He said it’s all about the smiles exchanged and small interactions.”

“Help bring joy to somebody’s life, let people know they are being thought about who don’t possibly have the things other people have,” Jeff Simms said.

It’s something he and his wife said they hope their children will do every Christmas.

“I want them to keep this tradition when they get older because it’s not about receiving, it’s about giving,” she said.

In all, Tanner said the Salvation Army kitchen in Jacksonville served 175,000 meals to those in need in Jacksonville this year.​

Cox Media Group